Reviews of DJ Headphones

DJ equipment reviews of my favorite DJ headphones.

So now you have your turntables, your mixer, your amp and speakers. But you missed one small but crucial detail, headphones. My DJ equipment review of headphones for DJs from Sony, Pioneer, and Technics will help guide you in making the right decision.

Headphones have one important function. They help the DJ mix the beats together seamlessly. By monitoring one turntable in the headphones while the other turntable is playing for the crowd you can get the proper mix and proper transition from one table to the next.

A goof pair of headphones are the tell tale sign of a DJ who is up to par on good DJ equipment. You should have two sets of headphones. One pair should be for practice. Don't spend a fortune on this pair. You are not showing off for anyone here. Spend no more than $50 dollars for your practice pair.

Your showcase set of headphones or the flashy ones is another story. Because you wear them on your head this is what people will see when they watch you perform. Those who are gathered around the DJ are often DJs themselves and ask about your DJ equipment and where you buy you DJ equipment from. One of the first things they often talk about are the headphones. The other things are the stylus and mixer.

Also, you never know who is in the audience and if a company representative sees you are wearing their headphones and that the crowd is into your DJ music then you may walk away with an endorsement.

If you decide to spend money on one pair of headphones then I suggest you forgo the practice headphones and buy a pair of high quality headphones since this will be your only pair.

When choosing a pair of headphones look for features such as a snug fit to prevent accidental slippage from your head to the turntables, swivel ear pieces, closed ear design to lock out noise and for easy track cueing, a coil lead, and solid construction.

I took the liberty of rounding up a handful made by Sony, Pioneer, and Technics.

DJ Headphones

These first three are the top of the line from each of the manufactures. They are the Pioneer HDJ-1000 Pro DJ Headphones, Technics RP-DJ1200 and the Sony MDR-V700.

If you choose only one set of headphones any one of these will do. Each have solid construction, clean sound and can handle high volume levels.

See more of the best headphones at this link.

Pioneer HDJ-1000 Pro DJ Headphones

Sony MDR-V700 DJ Headphones

There are a couple of choices the next level down in DJ headphones. Again, the construction is good but not heavy duty, clean sound and can handle high volumes levels. They are the Pioneer SE-DJ5000 and the Sony MDR-V500 DJ Headphones.

Pioneer SE-DJ5000 DJ Headphones

Sony MDR-V500 DJ Headphones

I have the Pioneer SE-DJ5000 my self and an off-brand for practice from a local electronics super store. They were having a sale. I knew they weren't going to be that great but I couldn't pass up on the sales price.

Sony MDR-V500DJ Headphones
Sony MDR-V500

For your practice headphones you might want to go with Technics RP-F550 or the Nady DJ-2. They are the low end models but are great for everyday use and if you don't mind replacing them after some abuse. They are made with plastic and cheaper parts so they don't last as long.